More than 355,000 Chrysler minivans are set to be recalled, according to a recent announcement by the American auto manufacturer and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Chrysler Group LLC has called the action a “safety improvement campaign,” while the NHTSA insists that by definition it is indeed a recall. Regardless of label, the immensely popular Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivan models are being recalled due to airbag issues.
The model years in question are 2005 and 2006, and the recall will only affect models sold in 28 “salt belt” states and some in Canada, as well. Salt belt refers to states that most commonly treat their roads and highways with salt during the fall and winter months due to heavy snowfall. Because of more intense weather conditions, there are sensors in the airbags that can crack because of rougher road and weather conditions. If the sensor becomes wet then it could cause the airbag to become inactive when deployment is necessary after impact in an accident.
More than 259,000 of the vehicles are owned and driven by Americans in the Midwest, Atlantic Belt, East Coast, New England and the District of Columbia. An additional 72,000 vehicles are owned and driven by Canadians. There have been no injuries or accidents reported in conjunction with this issue yet. Chrysler officials insist that if the sensor is affected in a minivan, a warning light will activate and alert the driver of the malfunction.
Chrysler’s “safety improvement campaign” follows in the wake of recent recalls by Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai. Toyota’s string of recalls has been prominent in global news as the world’s leading auto manufacturer’s President Akio Toyoda has been meeting with U.S. government officials all week about his company’s role in creating safer vehicles and maintaining responsibility for the injuries and accidents caused by electrical and design flaws.
If you or a loved one owns one of the affected Chrysler models and have experienced an injury or accident die to the defective airbags, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.